BRANCHING OUT

CONC E AL E R Urban Decay Pro Domed Concealer Brush, £18

Thought a simple ring finger was instrument enough to apply your concealer? According to Chapman, you thought wrong, if you want your concealer to stick around. “We have oils in our fingertips, and that’s when you start to get creasing.” She suggests a light touch, gently “dusting” concealer where needed in thin layers.

E Y E L INE R SMUDGE R IT Heavenly Luxe No-Tug Dual Eyeshadow Brush #5, £21

If you’re experimenting with liners or dark shadow along the lashline, a smudger is indispensable. Smaller and denser than other brushes, it keeps lines of colour precise while creating pro-looking smudginess. This doubleender blurs dreamily without tugging on your delicate eye area, and the other end’s a multipurpose blender. Win!

FAC E CONTOUR Huda Beauty Dual Ended Contour & Bronze Complexion Brush, £23

It’s not for everyone, but if you want to contour, choose a small angled brush to place darker make-up under cheekbones, on your temples and down the sides of your nose. Then use a bigger, fluffier brush to blend. Stay away from large sweeping motions – you’re aiming to create subtle areas of depth.

FAN B RUSH Tarte Rainforest Of The Sea Highlighting Fan Brush, £29

Gorgeous, versatile and... kind of confusing, these peacock-tail-shaped brushes divide the nation (and our experts). Boikou recommends using a delicate and dense fan brush for subtle blush application, highlight, and even to sweep away fallout (though this should be minimal if you’re using your brushes correctly – more on that to the right).

E Y E SHADOW CONTOUR Hourglass No.9 Domed Shadow Brush, £33

Where larger crease brushes work for wider, subtle bands of contour in the socket, those pursuing Lana Del Rey-style ’60s eyes (everywhere on A/W runways) need this smaller lid contour brush, which tapers in the middle for extra-precise contouring. After applying your base shadow, use this to apply something a few shades darker slightly above your folds in a rainbow shape.